Peace Corps Ho!

[aggienaut]

   So I had an interview with the Peace Corps a few weeks ago in Seattle. As many of you already know from my facebook status update, they got back to two weeks ago and the answer is "yes."

   What happens at this stage is if the recruiter likes a candidate they find a specific program to nominate them to (and presumably talks to the program director about whether they want the candidate, because I wasn't told anything about them potentially not wanting me at this point). The recruiter described me as "an almost perfect fit" for this program -- the "almost" being that I don' happen to speak fluent French.
   But she has officially nominated me to a program. The details are a bit vague at this point but I know it's in sub-saharan west Africa, in a French speaking country. It's an agricultural extension program that's doing beekeeping. It may also involve fish farming and tree nursury-ing (which presumably someone will give me training in, since the extent of my agricultural expertise right now is keeping bees in boxes), and depending on the needs of the program could end up not doing beekeeping at all. I'm excited about whatever the adventure has in store.

   Most surprising, it starts in February. Which though seven months away is sooner than I expected.

   In the mean time I'll be receiving a "medical packet," which I believe will have instructions on all kinds of doctor visits I'm going to have to make, and there's going to be a background check on me. In the mean time I've been requested to study French as much as I can and to continue working or volunteering in an agriculture related field.


Totally Unrelated Picture of the Day


Living the dream!
My shipmate Landon (AKA "Lando") in Roche Harbour (AKA "Disneyland for yachters")

Comments

[i-dread.livejournal.com]

Good on you, I hope you have some fun and tackle some of the world's problems from a bird's eye view.

[elvenforever.livejournal.com]

I love the picture, and congratulations about the Peace Corp.! I'm so happy for you, and I'm sure you'll do stupendously. :)

[amiveryfar.livejournal.com]

FANTASTIC! Congratulations. :)

[i-id.livejournal.com]

Boojah!

[liret.livejournal.com]

That sounds pretty awesome.

[gaeln.livejournal.com]

is squeeing appropriate? If so, than squeeeee.
If not, than congratulations, darlin', ya done good.

[connie]

Congrats!

[(Anonymous)]

Congrats! I also interviewed in Seattle and got a nomination for a program WAY earlier than I expected. I interviewed middle of May and was nominated for October (5 month turn around). The only advice I can give you is to get your medical packet in ASAP. That is where there can be hold ups. I got mine turned back in within 2 weeks and was medically cleared a week later ... so no matter what people say about it taking forever, if you have a quick nomination, they'll get it done if you keep up on your end. As for a host country not wanting you, I just received information regarding that process and I can tell you that you shouldn't get too attached to this program. 50% of applicants get switched - whether it be because they aren't quite qualified, they end up with medical accommodations, the process slows down, or they find another more suitable nomination - just be happy they want you and take it day by day from there :)

Anyway, I'm rambling ... huge congrats though - I know the feeling! I have two weeks to go until the deadline to get an invite for my original nomination. I'm hoping it sticks!

If you want to check out my blog, feel free. http://kyvsworld.wordpress.com.

Good luck with the process!

Kylene

[emo-snal.livejournal.com]

Hey thanks for your feedback!

Yeah I'm going to have a bit of trouble with the medical packet because I'm on a boat that's constantly moving around for the next two months or so. d: I'm gonna see about making doctor's appointments wherever I happen to be though.

[missfuzzybunny.livejournal.com]

Wooo hoo! They'd have had to be very stupid not to nominate you.

[sushimustwrite.livejournal.com]

Congratulations! If you need any French-learning resources for study, I have a ton of them.